Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching John

Overview

Gerald Sloyan utilizes the lectionary approach to offer new insight into understanding the book of John. By doing this, he puts the Fourth Gospel in the Old Testament context within which the early church received the public readings of this Gospel. His emphasis on the use of John within first-century Christianity enables modern readers to grasp the meaning of the Gospel message.

Presupposing the historical and philological work of other scholars, Sloyan focuses rather on the meaning of the Fourth Gospel for the church. He emphasizes the ecumenical demonstrated in his treatment of John 17. Particularly helpful is Sloyan's view of the conflict between Christians and "hoi Joudaioi." Since we do not know who the "hoi Joudaioi" were, Sloyan avoids the rendering "Jews" and thereby corrects any anti-Jewish misreading of this Gospel.

While Sloyan keeps in context both Jesus in his lifetime and the twentieth-century church, he steadfastly concentrates on the work of John's final editor within first-century Christianity. Interpreting John as "a book of the church" gives teachers and preachers valuable perspective on the Fourth Gospel.

Key Features

Detailed introduction

Bibliography

Praise for the Print Edition

The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.

The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.

—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary

Product Details

Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching John

Author: Gerard Sloyan

Publisher: John Knox Press

Publication Date: 1988

Pages: 239

About Gerard Sloyan

Gerard Sloyan is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in the Theology Department at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and Visiting Professor of Religion and Religious Education at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.